Review Day

There are no major spoilers in these reviews.

Glitch, Season One:
After how great The Code and Dreamland were, I'll always give Australian shows a chance. This character thriller about six people from different eras who have suddenly come out of their graves in a local cemetary is very well done. The characters are well-developed and allowed to develop at their own pace (not as slowly as in Rectify). I enjoyed the reveals in the final episode of season one, but I really wanted more answers than I got. I'll definitely watch the second season if it comes out. Free on Netflix.

Final Grade: B

Giver (PG-13):
This adaptation of Lois Lowry's childrens' book is loaded with star power (including a heavily made-up Jeff Bridges). It was decent enough although I didn't remember the book well enough to know if the plot diverged. Don't watch it after binging episodes of Black Mirror because it will feel laughably tame as a result. Free on Netflix.

Final Grade: B-

Detectorists, Season One:
A droll British comedy about two friends who spend their days metal detecting while discussing the TV shows they watched the night before is a nice balance of camp and heart. A very pleasant way to end a long day. Free on Netflix.

Final Grade: B+

Colony, Season One:
This new sci-fi show depicts a world that has been taken over by aliens with major cities turned into walled-in colonies under marshal rule. Starring Sawyer from LOST and Sarah from Prison Break, the show has a lot of potential, although it didn't really grab me until the fourth or fifth episode. There's a sense of blandness in spite of the intriguing world-building. By the last episode, I felt like all of the potential had been squandered -- it could have pushed the envelope much more and felt less static. In other words, this is exactly the type of show I would expect Carlton Cuse to create after LOST. I might watch the next season if it's free on Netflix but won't hold my breath. Free on Netflix.

Final Grade: B-